Special Teams

The Kennewick Fire Department is an all risk fire department providing many types and levels of service to the community that we serve. KFD currently has two primary Special Teams: a Hazardous Materials Team and a Technical Rescue Team.

Kennewick Fire Department participates as a member of a regional hazmat team comprised of several fire departments within the Southeast quarter of Washington State.

Tri-County Hazardous Materials Team

The Tri-County Hazardous Materials Team (TCHMT) is an organized group of professionals who are specially trained to handle hazardous materials emergencies that occur on the road, on the rails or in fixed facilities. The TCHMT consists of firefighters ranging from the City of Walla Walla to the City of Yakima. Through collaboration and cost sharing, our team members train frequently to maintain a high standard of skill and competence.

The TCHMT responds to all oil, chemical and other liquid spills, industrial and military explosions, and accidents during transportation of chemicals. The hazards we mitigate include a wide range of materials from explosives and corrosive liquids; radioactive, asphyxiating and bio-hazards; and toxic substances and pesticides. Hazardous conditions may also include container leaks, the explosion of compressed gases and chemicals, or acts of terrorism.

When a hazardous materials emergency occurs, a fire department engine/ladder truck is initially dispatched to determine the need for the TCHMT. If the TCHMT is required, members respond from the different fire departments to the emergency scene to begin technical operations. The hazardous materials truck carrying equipment and protective Level-A suits provides the TCHMT with the necessary tools to mitigate the emergency and protect the public until the shipper or owner of the hazardous materials can hire a private contractor to clean up the spill or incident.

TCHMT members are trained in:

• Assessing the hazards
• Basic chemistry

• Protective clothing types and uses
• Detecting and monitoring equipment
• Working methodology for handling each situation
• Proper disposal of hazardous wastes
• Techniques of isolation and decontamination of the affected area

The TCHMT is generally responsible for:
• Safe evacuation of the occupants from the building and the immediate affected area
• Ensuring a safe environment during the operation while reducing harm to life and property
• Removal of hazards from the building or the area to reduce the risk to an acceptable level
• Providing medical support to victims
• Other duties as ordered by the incident commander

For more information about KFD's Hazmat Team, contact us at: 509-585-4320.

KFD's TRT is evaluated annually by the Risk Management Coordinator and Public Works Department Manager for the City of Kennewick, as one of our primary missions is to provide rescue response for our City's Public Works crews, especially while they perform confined space operations.

KFD’s team currently consists of 9 highly-trained members, 3 from each shift. Station 61 is KFD's designated TRT station and houses an Engine, a 4x4 pick-up, and an enclosed trailer equipped with TRT equipment.

For more information about KFD's Technical Rescue Team, contact us at: 509-585-4320.